Infantile spasms and neuronal heterotopias. A report on six cases

Six infants with infantile spasms are presented, three primarily considered idiopathic and three symptomatic. Autopsy unexpectedly revealed heterotopias, cortical dyslamination, and other brain malformations in all six cases. No history of any etiologic moment during the neuronal migratory period of early gestation was found. It is concluded that wide-spread disturbances of CNS morphology should always be considered in cases of infantile spasms.